Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

About

Raptor Research Foundation

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

Early-career Raptor Researcher Travel Grants

The Award:

The selection committee must receive all application materials by the deadline for regular abstracts. That date is included in the announcement of RRF’s annual meeting sent each year to the membership.

• $700.
• The award will also include a free 1-year membership to RRF. 

up to three.

The Marion Jenkinson Service Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, honors early- and mid-career ornithologists for their extensive volunteer contributions and service to the society. This award includes a framed certificate and recognizes individuals who exemplify high ethical standards aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct. The award aims to foster a diverse and supportive ornithological community while promoting bird conservation and scientific study.

The John Muir Community Health Fund (CHF) Grant focuses on enhancing health care access for underserved populations in Central and East Contra Costa County. As part of John Muir Health's commitment to improving community well-being, the CHF provides financial support to nonprofit organizations addressing critical health needs. By fostering innovative health initiatives and filling service gaps, the grant aims to create lasting health improvements and ensure equitable care for vulnerable groups.

The SAF National Awards Program includes the Sir William Schlich Memorial Award, which honors exceptional contributions to forestry, particularly in policy and international activities. Presented biennially at the SAF National Convention, it features a $500 honorarium, complimentary registration, and up to $500 for travel expenses. This award commemorates Sir William Schlich's significant role in advancing forestry education and practices in the 19th century, promoting sustainable management of forest resources.

The Homelessness Solutions Program (HSP) administered by Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development aims to prevent and end homelessness by providing over $15 million annually to local Continuums of Care. HSP prioritizes funding to projects that divert at-risk households from homelessness, connect individuals to mainstream benefits and housing, serve vulnerable populations, implement evidence-based practices, and ensure equitable service delivery.

The Purple Martin Conservation Association offers the PMCA Research and Conservation Grant to support research on Purple Martins. This grant aims to promote conservation efforts and may cover expenses such as travel and supplies, though it does not fund salaries or overhead. Eligible applicants include students and professionals engaged in Purple Martin research, with a focus on projects that enhance the species' habitat and well-being.

The Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program in the Jones Falls Watershed supports vital environmental action and restoration projects. Originating from a federal consent decree, this initiative aims to enhance the local ecosystem by funding diverse projects that improve natural resources. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, community associations, and local government agencies. While match funding is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Grants typically range from $30,000 to $100,000, with no strict maximum or minimum amounts.

South Carolina Arts Commission

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to expand access to the arts and foster creativity for all South Carolinians.

For more than 50 years, the agency has worked to build a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their circumstances or where they live.

We help artists and arts providers offer unique arts experiences to residents and visitors. From free poetry readings and gallery crawls to sweetgrass basketry workshops and ticketed dance, music, or theatre performances, they create an environment that contributes to quality of life from three “corner” counties of Oconee, Horry, and Beaufort to the 43 arranged inside.

Since 1967, the SCAC has awarded more than $132 million in grants to artists, arts organizations, school districts, schools, and teachers!

Cultural Districts Grants

Purpose

This grant supports a broad range of creative placemaking endeavors led by S.C. Cultural Districts, including—but not limited to—festivals, performances, workshops, and public art projects. All programming must be located within a Cultural District’s approved boundaries and align with its strategic plan.

Projects should:

• Integrate arts, culture, or design activities.
• Include non-arts partnership(s).
• Engage the public.
• Involve artists, designers, or culture bearers.

Each S.C. Cultural District may submit only one (1) application per cycle.

Grant funds must be used for actual project costs, defined as consumable and non-consumable items needed to complete the proposed project.

Funding type: Expense reimbursement.

Matching Requirements

1:2 (grantee:SCAC)

• A 1:2 match means that for each SCAC dollar granted, the grantee must match with $0.50 of their own funds. For example, if the total project cost is $15,000, the applicant may request $10,000 and must provide the remaining $5,000 from other sources.

• At least 50% of the applicant’s match must be cash.
• Funds may not be matched with another SCAC grant.

If you are hiring artists or teaching artists

For all grant-funded activities (including group lectures, demonstrations, performances, residencies, and short-term arts teaching experiences), the use of S.C. Arts Directory members is required for school and school district grantees and encouraged for grantees that are organizations.

Artists identified as Verified Teaching Artists on the S.C. Arts Directory have been additionally vetted by SCAC through the submission of sample lesson plans, recorded teaching samples, and letters of recommendation. For any grantee whose grant-funded activities are for K-12 student services, SCAC encourages the use of Verified Teaching Artists. Many school districts require the use of SCAC Verified Teaching Artists for classroom residencies. If working in a school environment, always check with both the individual school and the school district about policies related to hiring artists, arts organizations, and teaching artists. Learn more about the S.C. Arts Directory.

Indirect Cost Limitation

No more than 10% of the total grant funds may be used for indirect costs (general overhead expenses not directly tied to the project). The remaining 90% must go toward direct costs, which are necessary to carry out the funded project.

• Examples of direct costs: Artist fees, program supplies, travel for project activities, and venue rental.
• Examples of indirect costs: Administrative salaries not directly working on the project, office rent, utilities, and general office supplies.

This ensures that most of the funding directly benefits the project while allowing some flexibility for necessary overhead costs.

Compliance with State and Federal Laws

All grant applicants must ensure their applications, proposed projects, and any related materials comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This includes SC Code § 16-15-305 (2024), which prohibits the dissemination of obscene materials.

Obscene content is strictly prohibited in grant applications and any proposed project activities. Applications that include materials or activities determined to be obscene will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

No component of an SCAC-funded project, including those funded with SCAC funds and those funded with matching funds, can fall into this category. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the termination of funding and other legal consequences.

We strongly encourage all applicants to carefully review the full legal text of SC Code § 16-15-305 (2024), to ensure their proposals are in full compliance.

The Kadel & Gerhardt Internships, funded by the Point Foundation, aim to enhance the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in HIV/AIDS research and advocacy. These internships support academically talented students pursuing unpaid opportunities in the summer of 2025, addressing the critical need for culturally competent care within the community. By investing in future leaders, the program seeks to combat the stigma surrounding HIV and increase access to essential services for those affected.

The Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant aims to enhance the resilience of communities against climate change impacts while improving fish and wildlife habitats. Funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, these grants support projects that protect coastal and rural economies, promote agricultural viability, and develop recreational opportunities. Key objectives include improving water retention and landscape resilience, ensuring the sustainability of vital ecosystems across California.

About Us

Our Mission

We promote and inspire community generosity and giving by bringing together passionate people and resources in our collective efforts to make an enduring difference in the community we love.

Funding Opportunities

We fund projects benefiting Branch County or Colon, Michigan. In making grants, the Community Foundation attempts to understand the specific objectives of each grant request and the long-term benefits the community will receive from the initiative. 

Community Good Grants

These grants support projects and programs that benefit Branch County and Colon.

Currently, BCCF has the following priorities for funding identified:

• Enhancing Youth Mental Health Supports
• Accelerating Workforce Development
• Offering English Language Learning Supports
• Improving Childcare Access

One competitive grant cycle per year by application only.

The Emergency Department Peer Navigator Program, funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to tackle opioid-related challenges by embedding peer navigators in emergency departments in Newark, NJ. These navigators, who have lived experience with substance use, facilitate access to care and resources, thereby reducing overdose risks and unnecessary emergency department visits. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance addiction recovery services across the state.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food. Our programs and activities are so varied and extensive, they touch the life of just about every Floridian.

Enhancing Gulf Waters through Forested Watershed Restoration - RESTORE Landowner Incentive Program

Introduction

The USDA Forest Service is providing funding to restore water quality and quantity through the implementation of forest management activities. This project is seeking applications for projects focused on restoring pine ecosystems and forest hydrology within the Florida project area.

The program is intended to target lands that have forests, are forests, once had forests or are capable of growing forests. This includes areas that might have been converted to farm or pastureland, burned by forest fires, cut-over, harvested, natural or planted pine stands, pine / hardwood stands or damaged byhurricanes.

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

The Chartercare Behavioral & Mental Health Grant offers up to $50,000 for proposals aimed at improving mental health services for children and adults in Rhode Island. The grant seeks innovative programs that address critical gaps in care, ensuring timely access to mental health professionals and effective treatment for issues like anxiety and depression. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing, with a preference for new initiatives or enhancements to existing programs.

The Cletus Vetter Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Cletus Vetter, a dedicated farmer and conservationist. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a resident of Defiance County pursuing education in conservation, natural resources, or agriculture. It aims to inspire the next generation to appreciate and engage in vital resource conservation efforts, ensuring that Cletus's passion for nurturing the land continues through future advocates of sustainability.

The NBC Conservation Fund Grant offers financial support for conservation projects in the Neotropics, focusing on globally threatened species or important sites. Eligible applicants can receive small grants up to $1,500 or medium grants up to $3,000. The fund prioritizes projects that promote local engagement and collaboration with conservation agencies, ensuring a direct impact on species and habitat conservation. This grant is ideal for initiatives aiming to enhance environmental education and community involvement in conservation efforts.

The Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative Grant, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to restore and sustain healthy rivers and grasslands in the Pecos watershed across New Mexico and Texas. With $2.5 million available, this initiative supports voluntary conservation projects focused on habitat restoration, species intervention, and increasing baseline species information. Key partners include the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and major corporations, highlighting a collaborative effort for environmental conservation.

The African Bird Club offers Expedition Awards of up to £5,000 to support ambitious conservation projects across Africa and its islands. Projects must focus on avian conservation and be linked to recognized academic or conservation organizations. Successful applications will demonstrate local engagement and government approval. Since 1996, ABC has funded over 300 projects, significantly contributing over £600,000 to bird conservation efforts in 50 regions, underscoring its commitment to preserving Africa's biodiversity.

The Ned K. Johnson Early Investigator Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes exceptional early-career researchers in ornithology. Awardees receive a certificate, a $1,500 honorarium, and complimentary registration for the annual meeting, where they can present a plenary. Candidates must have received their doctorate between 2019 and 2022, and demonstrate ethical standards aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct. This award fosters leadership and innovation in bird conservation and research.

The U.S. Geological Survey's Powell Center invites research proposals for a project that aims to develop a spatially explicit framework assessing the risk of aquatic contaminants to insectivorous birds. This initiative will identify areas of heightened risk across the U.S. and Europe, mapping the impact of aquatic insect prey loss and contaminant exposure. Results will inform habitat management and help decision-makers understand the environmental health risks posed by aquatic-borne contaminants.

Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Hawai‘i Community Foundation invests charitable funds in communities across the State primarily through nonprofit organizations. Our core programs are designed to support a stronger nonprofit sector as we believe that these organizations are one cornerstone of a vibrant civic society.

We administer a number of grantmaking programs with targeted purposes or an island-based focus. Hawai‘i Community Foundation also assists several private foundations in delivering their grantmaking programs according to their specific strategies.

Artists in Residence – Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund

Artists in Residence

HCF is currently accepting applications for the Artists in Residence 2026 grant program. Hawaiʻi nonprofit organizations/programs can apply to host artists in residence for a defined period. During the residency, the artists in residence focus on developing their own artistic practice while engaging with Hawaiʻi-based artists and the broader community through dynamic, meaningful interactions that have the potential for long term impact. Artist(s) in residence should be widely recognized, outstanding artists, including visual artists, writers, musicians, dancers, and other performing artists. Artists may be based in the continental United States, foreign countries, or Hawaiʻi. For Hawai’i-based artists, the residency must support new relationships with a host organization/program and new forms of community engagement; ongoing or existing collaborations are not eligible.

Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund

The Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund (LAF) was created to carry her ambition forward, for the benefit of the arts and artists of Hawaiʻi and beyond. It aims to nurture and promote Hawaiʻi as a global center for the exchange of contemporary arts and artists. LAF is intended to support projects and initiatives that afford artists opportunities to immerse themselves in new environments, to absorb different influences, and to realize fresh visions.

LAF has an advisory committee of volunteer community members with expertise in the arts who provide recommendations on the fund’s strategy and recommend grant funding.

The JRCT: Peace and Security Grant Programme, from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, focuses on funding initiatives that address the root causes of conflict and injustice. The Trust emphasizes values of equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability, advocating for non-violent approaches and participatory governance. Its funding priorities include challenging militarism, promoting transparency in counter-terrorism, and supporting innovative solutions to the dual impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and systemic racism, primarily aimed at creating lasting societal change.

The Herbert A. and Adrian W. Woods Foundation, founded in 1999, supports charitable organizations primarily in the greater St. Louis area. Funding interests focus on aiding abused children, the poor, the Episcopal Church and its affiliates, arts and culture, animal welfare, and victims of illness. The foundation accepts special project requests, capital campaigns, matching grants, and general operation funding, while multi-year grants and endowment funding are excluded.

The Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society (AOS), honors individuals or small teams for exceptional contributions to bird conservation. Recognizing efforts in applied research, habitat preservation, and educational initiatives, this award aims to encourage the scientific study of birds and promote ethical practices in ornithology. Nominees must be AOS members, ensuring a commitment to the society's mission of fostering a diverse and engaged ornithological community.

Farmers Drought Relief Fund

The Department is making grants available to farmers to address the need for agricultural water management plans and the installation of agricultural water sources, including:

• Dug wells
• Drilled wells
• Gravel-packed wells
• Water storage ponds

Overview

Background and Purpose

The Maine Farmer Drought Relief Fund (FDRF) was created by the Maine Legislature (7 M.R.S.A., Chapter 8-A, subchapter 4 § 220-A(3)) to assist farmers in the State to overcome the adverse effects of drought conditions by providing grants.

The Department will make up to $ 930,000 available for installation of agricultural water sources from nonlapsing funding. An additional $ 300,000 may be available from FY 27 funding after July 1, 2026 and may be used to fund additional projects at the discretion of the Department.

The Department reserves the right to determine the number of awards and modify, partially fund, or increase awards at the Department’s discretion.

Missouri Department of Social Services 

The Missouri Department of Social Services is responsible for coordinating programs to provide:

• Public assistance to help Missourians with food stamps, health care, child care, child support, blind services and other basic needs
• Health care coverage for eligible Missourians
• Child welfare services to help ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of Missouri children
• Specialized assistance to troubled youth

While many programs give needed financial assistance and services, other units work toward reducing financial dependency of the citizens on government assistance.

The Department of Social Services also has teams dedicated to:

• Protecting the integrity of public assistance programs by combating fraud, waste and abuse
• Administering and managing Medicaid audit and compliance initiatives
• Offering support to law enforcement agencies to help protect Missouri children

ToRCH Care Smart Growth and Service Line Modification

Purpose and Background Information

Missouri is transforming how rural healthcare works through ToRCH Care. Missouri’s ToRCH Care’s purpose is to help preserve access to essential services, advance high-priority health focus areas (e.g., maternal health infrastructure, behavioral health (BH) infrastructure or diagnostics, outpatient care and chronic disease management infrastructure), and strengthen regional care coordination. These goals will be advanced through coordinated implementation across several RHTP program areas. Additional information on the RHTP program can be found at Rural Health Transformation | mydss.mo.gov.

The Strategic Minor Renovations Program is one component of ToRCH Care’s Provider Transformation initiative. The program supports strategic investments to stabilize, modernize, and transform rural healthcare infrastructure and access-to-care capacity. Strategic Minor Renovations investments are structured across multiple horizons:

• Horizon 1 – Core Access and Service Preservation: Minor renovations or alterations to prevent disruption of core care access and preserve essential services. Horizon 1 focuses on urgent safety, compliance, and access risks that could jeopardize continued operation of essential healthcare services.

• Horizon 2 – Smart Growth and Service Line Modification: Smart growth and service-line modernization to “right-size” rural care access by renovating, reconfiguring, equipping, or repurposing existing spaces and capabilities into high-rurademand service lines. Horizon 2 is the focus of this IFB.

• Horizon 3 – Transformative and Future-Facing Projects: Larger-scale transformation, innovation, training, shared technology, or multi-partner redevelopment projects that reimagine rural care infrastructure. Horizon 3 is not the focus of this IFB.